IOA Conference Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the IOA 2027 Frequently Asked Questions before attending! If you have any additional questions that were not answered below, please reach out to the IOA office at [email protected] or at 1-206-209-5275.

Registration Questions

  • Do I need to be a member of IOA to register for the event?
    • IOA membership is not required. IOA 2026 is open to all! However, IOA Members receive a discounted rate on conference registration. If you are not yet an IOA member we encourage you to learn more about all that IOA has to offer by visiting our website. Become a member now!

  • What does the registration cost?
  • What is the registration cancellation policy?
    • All cancellation requests received on or before 18 February 2027, will be issued a refund less a $75 processing fee. No refunds will be given thereafter except in the event of extenuating circumstances such as severe illness. Requests for registration cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to  [email protected]. Substitute attendees will be permitted, as long as both attendees are of the same registration type. Substitution requests must be in writing via email to [email protected] no later than 18 February 2027. Read all of the event terms, conditions, and policies.
  • When does registration close? 
    • Online registration will close on 1 March 2027. Walk-in registration will be available onsite.
  • Is there a virtual attendance option? 
    • No, the Annual Conference is in-person only. 
  • I'm only coming for Foundations; where should I stay?
    • At the Conference hotel, Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Book Today.
  • What is the dress code?
    • IOA's dress code is business casual. Please be mindful that temperatures in breakout rooms can vary and dressing in layers is recommended. Wednesday, 17 March is casual dress day. Jeans are allowed.
  • What time zone will the Conference be in?
    • The Conference Schedule times are listed in Pacific Daylight Time. Need help finding your local time? Use the time converter. 

 

Schedule, Content & CE Questions

  • What days/times are the sessions? Where are the sessions being held?
    • There will be three days of events and sessions that will follow the order outlined on our schedule page. Please note, this schedule is subject to change as programming develops. All times are listed in Pacific Daylight Time. Please use the time zone converter if you need assistance determining your local time.
  • What meals and snacks are included in the registration?

  • Coffee and tea, as well as the following meals and snacks, will be provided.

  • Monday: Lunch, Evening Reception
  • Tuesday: Brunch
  • Wednesday: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Does the Conference offer continuing education credit? 
    • All IOA Conference session materials are sent to the Certification Board to be approved for Professional Development Hours (PDH credits). Credits for certification credentials are self-reported, and the credits are delivered based on the sessions you attend.

  • I’m an aspiring or a relatively new ombuds; how can I meet a more experienced ombuds?
    • Try the Mentoring Café! This is a new program attached to this year’s IOA annual conference. The deadline to apply for the Mentoring Café has passed!

 

Unauthorized Vendors

Sponsors/Exhibitors and Attendees of our events, please be aware of potential scammers who may attempt to contact you under the guise of our association or event management team. These individuals may offer services, claim to sell attendee lists, hotel reservations, or solicit unauthorized payments.


Please be advised:

  • Our association will always communicate with you directly through official channels.
  • We do not engage third-party companies to sell attendee lists or other services on our behalf.
  • If you receive any suspicious emails, phone calls, or messages claiming to be from our event, do not engage with the sender. 
For Your Security:
  • Verify the legitimacy of any communication by contacting us directly.
  • Never provide payment details or personal information to an unsolicited contact.

Your participation is incredibly important to us, and we want to ensure your experience is secure and positive. If you have any doubts or questions about the authenticity of a communication, please reach out to us immediately. We also encourage you to report fraudulent activity to the Federal Trade Commission.